Kinmen, April 16 (CNA) About 50 kilograms of a species of red algae cultivated by Kinmen County Fisheries Research Institute sold out in five minutes after being put up for sale for the first time on Wednesday.

The Sarcodia ceylanica species of red algae tastes like kelp and is high in fiber. It is described as a longevity vegetable in Japan and is now being grown on a large scale after several trials by the institute.

The algae looks like a peony flower and contains minerals such as calcium, phosphorus, potassium, magnesium, iron, zinc, selenium and vitamin E, as well as essential amino acids, according to the institute.

It also contains large quantities of polysaccharides, which can prevent cellular aging.

The institute uses low carbon technology for red algae cultivation to protect the marine environment and the species could be an important food ingredient unique to Kinmen if it can be grown in large quantities, according to the institute.

(By Amy Huang and Evelyn Kao)Enditem/J